Sometimes, despite our best intentions, our puppet might get sidelined when things don’t go as planned. I’m here to remind you that it’s all about picking it back up and rediscovering the joy and potential in puppetry. You can make a new start whenever you want.

Consider this a renewed invitation to explore the world of hand puppets, learning from experiences and setting new, achievable goals. Let’s dive into how you can make this year different, effectively using a hand puppet to connect, teach, and inspire.

  • Reflect and Learn: Think back to the times when your puppet sat quietly to the side. What halted your progress? Was it unmet expectations, a busy schedule, or perhaps hesitation? Reflect on these moments and identify what you’d like to change moving forward.
  • Embrace the Journey with Your Puppet: Working with a hand puppet is a journey filled with learning and laughter. Remember, children cherish the puppet’s presence, and they’re not looking for a flawless performance but a connection. Embrace the imperfections and allow yourself to grow alongside your puppet.
  • Shake Off Perfection: Perfection is often the enemy of progress. Give yourself the permission to experiment and learn. Young children are incredibly forgiving audiences, making them the perfect companions on your puppeteering journey.
  • Define Your Puppet’s Identity and Goals: Clear vision leads to purposeful action. Consider who your puppet is, what you aim to achieve with it, and how you plan to get there. These guiding questions will sharpen your focus and enhance your puppet’s impact.

Conclusion: There’s no need to wait until the holidays are over or the school year starts. You can decide to start anew with your puppet whenever you feel ready. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to introduce or reintegrate the puppet into your setting, filled with your own energy and creativity. I embrace these fresh starts as they come, and I encourage you to do the same.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips.

With Love,

Author

I am a former teacher, passionate trainer, and author of the book 'The Hand Puppet as an Educational Tool'. As an expert in using hand puppets to strengthen relationships, challenge language development, and increase children's engagement, I work with parents, educators, childcare professionals, counselors, therapists and others who want to use a puppet as a bridgebuilder. I teach you how to bring a hand puppet to life, make it recognizable, and effectively integrate it into your conversations and activities. My playful and relationship-oriented approach helps you see more from children, communicate with them in different ways, and enhance their participation.

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Published in a renowned Dutch professional journal for early childhood specialists.

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